Petcom accused of intimidation, victimisation by some dealers

Trouble is brewing in the petroleum retail trade as Petcom and some dealers battle over the terms of separation.

President of the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA), Phillip Chong, is accusing the management of Petcom of intimidating and victimising dealers who have indicated their intention to discontinue dealership arrangements with the marketing company.

In a release this morning, Chong accused Petcom of invading and destroying the private properties of some dealers.

The JGRA president says although some dealers are currently engaged in negotiations, the marketing company's action has rendered several service stations inoperable.

He says this has left at least 40 employees out of a job.

Chong explains that the contention over the terms of separation between the marketing company and dealers began before the divestment of Petcom in 2014.

However, he says the matter remains unresolved.

President of the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association, Phillip Chong

The JGRA president says the association and dealers have taken steps to secure their properties and are pursuing legal action to bring an end to the dispute.